Loudon County approves pause on data centers

LOUDON COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) - Loudon County Commissioners voted Monday night to put a six month moratorium on new data centers in the county.

Some citizens who addressed the commission during public hearing brought up concerns over the noise data centers produce and its impacts on people and livestock, concerns over the amount of power and water data center use and how that could affect residents’ utility bills, and environmental impacts.

Another applauded the commission for setting a moratorium on data centers and urged commissioners to hear from experts to understand how it will impact Loudon County.

“We’re not going to stop it. All we can do is control it.” said Bob Johnson during public comment. “All I’m asking is, I don’t think that we have enough intelligence yet to make all these comments.”

The resolution cited concerns about the burden on county infrastructure, limited employment opportunity growth, and noise and power concerns.

The commission approved a six month pause on data centers, including county permits, zoning approvals, building approvals, utility extensions and developmental agreements.

Commissioners can extend the moratorium.